U.S. patent application number 11/227774 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-23 for image capturing apparatus and control method thereof.
Invention is credited to Chiyumi Niwa.
Application Number | 20060061659 11/227774 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36073507 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060061659 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Niwa; Chiyumi |
March 23, 2006 |
Image capturing apparatus and control method thereof
Abstract
An image capturing apparatus includes an image capture unit for
capturing an image, a reproducing unit for reproducing and
displaying an image, an attitude detecting unit for detecting an
attitude, and a control unit for executing a preset and
predetermined operation if a predetermined attitude change pattern
is detected with the attitude detecting unit.
Inventors: |
Niwa; Chiyumi;
(Kawasaki-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MORGAN & FINNEGAN, L.L.P.
3 WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER
NEW YORK
NY
10281-2101
US
|
Family ID: |
36073507 |
Appl. No.: |
11/227774 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/207.99 ;
348/E5.042 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/23293 20130101;
H04N 5/232411 20180801 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/207.99 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/225 20060101
H04N005/225 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 17, 2004 |
JP |
2004-272507 |
Claims
1. An image capturing apparatus comprising: an image capture unit
for capturing an image; a reproducing unit for reproducing and
displaying an image; an attitude detecting unit for detecting an
attitude; and a control unit for executing a predetermined
operation set in advance if a predetermined attitude change pattern
is detected with said attitude detecting unit.
2. The image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
predetermined attitude change pattern includes a change from a
first attitude to a second attitude different from said first
attitude and a change from said second attitude to said first
attitude.
3. The image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
predetermined operation is one of a change of a reproduced and
displayed image, a change of a display color, a change of an image
capturing parameter, an increase/decrease of the number of
designated prints of a reproduced image, a deletion of a display
image, switching between enlargement display and reduction display
of a display image, switching between single display and index
display of a display image, switching between power ON and OFF, and
switching between a capturing mode and a reproducing mode.
4. The image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
image capturing apparatus is a digital camera.
5. A method of controlling an image capturing apparatus which
includes an image capture unit for capturing an image, a
reproducing unit for reproducing and displaying an image and an
attitude detecting unit for detecting an attitude, the method
comprising step of: a step of controlling the image capturing
apparatus to execute a predetermined operation set in advance if a
predetermined attitude change pattern is detected with said
attitude detecting unit.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein said predetermined
attitude change pattern includes a change from a first attitude to
a second attitude different from said first attitude and a change
from said second attitude to said first attitude.
7. The method according to claim 5, wherein said predetermined
operation is one of a change of a reproduced and displayed image, a
change of a display color, a change of an image capturing
parameter, an increase/decrease of the number of designated prints
of a reproduced image, a deletion of a display image, switching
between enlargement display and reduction display of a display
image, switching between single display and index display of a
display image, switching between power ON and OFF, and switching
between a capturing mode and a reproducing mode.
8. The method according to claim 5, wherein said image capturing
apparatus is a digital camera.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an image capturing
apparatus such as a digital camera and a digital video camera and
control method thereof.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] As a conventional digital camera, there is a digital camera
of the type that objective functions are operated by using a menu
button, a four-way operational button, a SET button and the like
(for example, refer to Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No.
2003-51977). The objective functions include a function of
selecting the number of frames of captured images stored in a
memory card to be displayed on a liquid crystal display unit, a
function of changing the captured image displayed on the liquid
crystal display unit to the next or previous captured image, and
other functions.
[0005] Erroneous operations may be performed, however, in the state
that an objective button is difficult to be visually recognized,
such as in a dark environment and in the state that an objective
button is hard to be manipulated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is to overcome the above-described
drawbacks. For example, the present invention aims to attain easy
operation which can make an image capturing apparatus execute a
predetermined operation even in the state that an objective button
is difficult to be visually recognized and in the state that an
objective button is hard to be manipulated.
[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, an image
capturing apparatus of the present invention comprises: an image
capture unit for capturing an image; a reproducing unit for
reproducing and displaying an image; an attitude detecting unit for
detecting an attitude; and a control unit for executing a
predetermined operation set in advance if a predetermined attitude
change pattern is detected with the attitude detecting unit.
[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
method of the present invention, of controlling an image capturing
apparatus which includes an image capture unit for capturing an
image, a reproducing unit for reproducing and displaying an image
and an attitude detecting unit for detecting an attitude, the
method comprising step of: controlling the image capturing
apparatus to execute a predetermined operation set in advance if a
predetermined attitude change pattern is detected with the attitude
detecting unit.
[0009] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters
designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures
thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the present invention and, together with the description, serve to
explain the principles of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a
digital camera according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a perspective of the digital
camera according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0013] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D are diagrams showing four attitudes
judged by the digital camera shown in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a sequence
of processes to be executed by the digital camera according to the
first embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 5 is diagrams illustrating an example of a change in
captured images.
[0016] FIG. 6 is diagrams illustrating an example of a change in
clock display screens.
[0017] FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating an example of a
change in the numbers of prints.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in
detail with reference to the drawings.
First Embodiment
[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a
digital camera 10. The first embodiment of the present invention is
not limited to the digital camera, but is applicable to other image
capturing apparatuses such as a digital video camera, a portable
phone with a camera, and a computer with a camera.
[0020] As a shutter button is full-depressed, an image capture unit
101 converts light received with an image capture element (CCD
image sensor, CMOS image sensor or the like) into an electric
signal, digitalizes the electric signal to form a digital image,
and supplies the digital image to an image processing unit 102.
[0021] The image processing unit 102 executes a development process
on the digital image supplied from the image capture unit 101. The
development process includes white balance adjustment, sharpness
adjustment, contrast adjustment and the like. The image processing
unit 102 also changes a resolution and the like of the digital
image after the development process. Development parameters
necessary for the development process can be set by a user.
[0022] A compression and expansion unit 103 has a function of
compressing the digital image processed by the image processing
unit 102 by an image compression method such as JPEG and JPEG2000
and a function of expanding a compressed digital image. A
compression factor can be set by a user.
[0023] A system control unit 107 has a micro computer for
controlling the digital camera 10 in accordance with a control
program in a non-volatile memory 109. The system control unit 107
has a function of creating an image file including digital images
compressed by the compression and expansion unit 103 and additional
information of the digital images, and storing the created image
file in an internal memory (second buffer memory) 104. The
additional information includes information on a digital image,
information on the digital camera 10, a thumbnail of digital images
and the like. The internal memory 104 has a capacity enough to
store a plurality of image files.
[0024] The system control unit 107 also has a function of setting
the digital camera 10 in a power saving state. In the power saving
state of the digital camera 10, the system control unit 107 turns
off some functions of the digital camera 10 to reduce a battery
consumption power.
[0025] A display unit 105 has a display such as a liquid crystal
display and displays various information on the display. The
display unit 105 has a function of displaying information on the
digital camera 10, a function of displaying captured images, a
function of displaying captured images stored in a storage medium
20, and other functions. When captured images stored in the storage
medium 20 are displayed, information on the captured images can
also be displayed. The display unit 105 also has a function of
providing a graphical user interface such as setting menus.
[0026] A storage medium interface 106 has a function of writing an
image file stored in the internal memory 104 into the storage
medium 20 and a function of reading an image file stored in the
recording medium 20 and writing it into the internal memory 104.
Captured images in the image file read from the storage medium 20
and written in the internal memory 104 are displayed on the display
unit 105 under the control of the system control unit 107.
[0027] An operation unit 108 is a user interface for operating the
digital camera 10, and has a power switch for turning on and off a
power of the digital camera 10, a shutter button, menu buttons for
displaying setting menus on the display unit 105, a four-way
operational button for moving a cursor displayed on the display
unit 105 up and down, right and left, a SET button for setting an
image, an item, a value or the like selected with the cursor to the
digital camera 10 or for making the digital camera 10 select the
information selected with the cursor, and other buttons. The
shutter button can be half-depressed or full-depressed. As the
shutter button is half-depressed, the digital camera 10 executes
AF, AE or the like, whereas the shutter button is full-depressed,
the digital cameral 10 executes digital image capturing.
[0028] The non-volatile memory 109 stores the control program for
controlling the digital camera 10 and information on the digital
camera 10 and the like. The non-volatile memory 109 stores also
image data corresponding to setting menus to be displayed on the
display unit 105.
[0029] An attitude detector unit 110 judges an attitude of the
digital cameral 10 and notifies the judgement results to the system
control unit 107. For example, the attitude detector unit 110 may
use a gravitational sensor. The attitude detector unit 110
continues to judge an attitude of the digital camera 10 and
notifies the judgement results to the system control unit 107,
while the digital camera 10 is turned ON or is in the power saving
state.
[0030] The storage medium 20 may be a memory card (a card having a
built-in non-volatile memory), a hard disk drive or the like. The
storage medium 10 can be mounted on the digital camera 10 or
dismounted from the digital camera 10.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a perspective of
the digital camera 10. A power button 21 is used for turning ON or
OFF the power of the digital camera 10. A mode turnover switch 22
is used for selecting a capturing mode for capturing an image, and
a reproducing mode for displaying digital images (still images and
moving images) reproduced in the storage medium such as a memory
card.
[0032] A shutter button 23 has a first release switch for
instructing the start of AF, AE or the like and a second release
switch for instructing the start of capturing still images or
moving images. The first release switch becomes on when the shutter
button 23 is half-depressed, and the second release switch becomes
on when the shutter button 23 is full-depressed.
[0033] A menu button 24 is used for displaying setting menus on the
display unit 105, the setting menus being used for changing
settings of the digital camera 10.
[0034] A four-way operational button 26 is used for moving the
cursor displayed on the display unit 105, up and down, right and
left.
[0035] A SET button 27 is used for setting an image, an item, a
value or the like selected with the cursor to the digital camera 10
or for making the digital camera 10 select the information selected
with the cursor.
[0036] A display button 28 is used for turning ON or OFF the
display unit 105.
[0037] A tripod connector 29 is used for connecting a tripod.
[0038] In the first embodiment, the power button 21 and shutter
button 23 are arranged on the upper surface of the digital camera
10, the mode turnover switch 22, menu button 24, display unit 105,
four-way operational button 26, SET button 27 and display button 28
are arranged on the rear surface of the digital camera 10, and the
tripod connector 29 is arranged on the bottom surface of the
digital camera 10.
[0039] FIGS. 3A to 3D are diagrams showing four attitudes judged by
the attitude detector unit 110. As shown in FIG. 3A, the attitude
detector unit 110 judges that the attitude of the digital camera 10
takes an "attitude 1" if the upper surface (surface with the
shutter button 23) of the digital camera 10 is oriented upward and
the lower surface (surface with the tripod connector 29) is
oriented downward.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 3B, the attitude detector unit 110 judges
that the attitude of the digital camera 10 takes an "attitude 2" if
the upper surface of the digital camera 10 is oriented left and the
lower surface is oriented right.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 3C, the attitude detector unit 110 judges
that the attitude of the digital camera 10 takes an "attitude 3" if
the upper surface of the digital camera 10 is oriented right and
the lower surface is oriented left.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 3D, the attitude detector unit 110 judges
that the attitude of the digital camera 10 takes an "attitude 4" if
the lower surface of the digital camera 10 is oriented upward and
the upper surface is oriented downward.
[0043] The attitudes 1 and 4 are horizontal and the attitudes 2 and
3 are vertical. The attitude 4 is turned upside down from the
attitude 1, and the attitude 3 is turned upside down from the
attitude 2.
[0044] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a sequence
of processes to be executed by the digital camera 10. The processes
shown in FIG. 4 are executed by the system control unit 107 which
controls the digital camera 10 in accordance with the control
program in the memory 109. The processes shown in FIG. 4 is
executed when an attitude change function on the setting menu is
turned ON.
[0045] Step S401: The system control unit 107 judges from the
judgement results by the attitude detector unit 110 whether the
attitude of the digital camera 10 changes from the attitude 1 to
attitude 2. If it is judged that the attitude of the digital camera
10 changed from the attitude 1 to attitude 2, the flow advances to
Step S402, whereas if not, the flow advances to Step S406.
[0046] Step S402: The system control unit 107 starts clocking for a
predetermined time T.
[0047] Step S403: The system control unit 107 judges whether the
predetermined time T lapsed. If not, the flow advances to Step
S404, whereas if lapsed, the flow returns to Step S401.
[0048] Step S404: The system control unit 107 judges from the
judgement results by the attitude detector unit 110 whether the
attitude of the digital camera 10 is returned from the attitude 2
to attitude 1. Namely, the system control unit 107 judges whether
the attitude of the digital camera 10 returns to the original
attitude before the predetermined time T is lapsed. If it is judged
that the attitude of the digital camera 10 is returned from the
attitude 2 to attitude 1, the flow advances to Step S405, whereas
if not, the flow returns to Step S403.
[0049] Step S405: The system control unit 107 controls to read next
one, four or nine frames of captured images from the storage medium
and display the image or images on the display unit 105. If the
current image display mode of the digital camera 10 is a one-image
display mode, the system control unit 107 controls to display the
frame of the next captured image on the display unit 105. If the
current image display mode of the digital camera 10 is a four-image
display mode, the system control unit 107 controls to display the
frames of the next four captured images on the display unit 105. If
the current image display mode of the digital camera 10 is a
nine-image display mode, the system control unit 107 controls to
display the frames of the next nine captured images on the display
unit 105. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, if the current image
display mode of the digital camera 10 is the one-image display mode
and the attitude of the digital camera 10 is returned from the
attitude 2 to attitude 1 before the predetermined time T is lapsed,
then the frame of the next one captured image is displayed on the
display unit 105. In this manner, a user can confirm the next one,
four or nine frames of captured images only by swinging once the
digital camera 10 along a predetermined direction, without
operating the four-way operational button 26.
[0050] Step S406: The system control unit 107 judges from the
judgement results by the attitude detector unit 110 whether the
attitude of the digital camera 10 changes from the attitude 1 to
attitude 3. If it is judged that the attitude of the digital camera
10 changed from the attitude 1 to attitude 3, the flow advances to
Step S407, whereas if not, the flow returns to Step S401.
[0051] Step S407: The system control unit 107 starts clocking for
the predetermined time T.
[0052] Step S408: The system control unit 107 judges whether the
predetermined time T lapsed. If not, the flow advances to Step
S409, whereas if lapsed, the flow returns to Step S401. If the
predetermined time T lapsed, it is judged that the digital camera
was not swung along a predetermined direction.
[0053] Step S409: The system control unit 107 judges from the
judgement results by the attitude detector unit 110 whether the
attitude of the digital camera 10 is changed from the attitude 3
back to attitude 1. Namely, the system control unit 107 judges
whether the attitude of the digital camera 10 returns to the
original attitude before the predetermined time T is lapsed. If it
is judged that the attitude of the digital camera 10 is changed
from the attitude 3 back to attitude 1, the flow advances to Step
S410, whereas if not, the flow returns to Step S408.
[0054] Step S410: The system control unit 107 controls to read
previous one, four or nine frames of captured images from the
storage medium and display the image or images on the display unit
105. If the current image display mode of the digital camera 10 is
the one-image display mode, the system control unit 107 controls to
display the frame of the previous captured image on the display
unit 105. If the current image display mode of the digital camera
10 is the four-image display mode, the system control unit 107
controls to display the frames of the previous four captured images
on the display unit 105. If the current image display mode of the
digital camera 10 is the nine-image display mode, the system
control unit 107 controls to display the frames of the previous
nine captured images on the display unit 105. In this manner, a
user can confirm the previous one, four or nine frames of captured
images only by swinging once the digital camera 10 along the
predetermined direction, without operating the four-way operational
button 26.
[0055] As described above, according to the digital camera 10 of
the first embodiment, it is possible to display next or previous
one, four or nine frames of captured images only by swinging once
the digital camera 10 along the predetermined direction.
[0056] The first embodiment may be configured in such a manner that
it is judged at Step S401 whether the attitude of the digital
camera 10 changes from the attitude 2 to attitude 4 and it is
judged at Step S404 whether the attitude of the digital camera 10
changes from the attitude 4 to attitude 2. Similarly, the first
embodiment may be configured in such a manner that it is judged at
Step S406 whether the attitude of the digital camera 10 changes
from the attitude 2 to attitude 1 and it is judged at Step S409
whether the attitude of the digital camera 10 changes from the
attitude 1 to attitude 2.
Second Embodiment
[0057] The second embodiment is an embodiment partially modifying
the first embodiment. Only different points from the first
embodiment will therefore be described. A digital camera 10 of the
second embodiment has a clock display function of displaying an
image including a present time (hereinafter called a clock display
screen). The clock display function can be turned ON or OFF on the
setting menu.
[0058] In the second embodiment, Steps S405 and S410 of the first
embodiment are changed in the following manner.
[0059] Step S405: If the clock display function is ON, the system
control unit 107 changes the clock display screen displayed on the
display unit 105 to another clock display screen. For example, as
shown in FIG. 6, the clock display screen is changed to a clock
display screen having a different background color. In this manner,
a user can select easily a desired clock display screen only by
swinging once the digital camera 10 along the predetermined
direction, without operating the menu button 24, four-way
directional button 26 and SET button 27.
[0060] Step S410: A similar process to Step S405 is executed.
[0061] As described above, according to the digital camera 10 of
the second embodiment, a desired clock display screen can be
selected easily only by swinging once the digital camera 10 along
the predetermined direction. A user can enjoy also color variations
of the clock display screen.
Third Embodiment
[0062] The third embodiment is an embodiment partially modifying
the first embodiment. Only different points from the first
embodiment will therefore be described. A digital camera 10 of the
third embodiment is in conformity with a digital print order format
(DPOF), and has a direct print function of transmitting captured
images directly to a printer.
[0063] In the third embodiment, Steps S405 and S410 of the first
embodiment are changed in the following manner.
[0064] Step S405: As shown in FIG. 7A, the system control unit 107
adds "1" to the number of prints of a captured image displayed on
the display unit 105. A user can therefore increase easily the
number of prints of a desired captured image only by swinging once
the digital camera 10 along a predetermined direction, without
operating the menu button 24, four-way directional button 26 and
SET button 27.
[0065] Step S410: As shown in FIG. 7B, the system control unit 107
subtracts "1" from the number of prints of a captured image
displayed on the display unit 105. A user can therefore reduce
easily the number of prints of a desired captured image only by
swinging once the digital camera 10 along the predetermined
direction, without operating the menu button 24, four-way
directional button 26 and SET button 27.
[0066] As described above, according to the digital camera 10 of
the third embodiment, the number of prints of a desired captured
image can be set easily only by swinging once the digital camera 10
along the predetermined direction.
[0067] In the third embodiment, although the number of prints of a
desired captured image is changed, print sheets may be changed.
Fourth Embodiment
[0068] The fourth embodiment is an embodiment partially modifying
the first embodiment. Only different points from the first
embodiment will therefore be described.
[0069] In the fourth embodiment, Steps S405 and S410 of the first
embodiment are changed in the following manner.
[0070] Step S405: The system control unit 107 changes the image
display mode to the four-image display mode if the present image
display mode is the one-image display mode; the image display mode
to the nine-image display mode if the present image display mode is
the four-image display mode; or the image display mode to the
one-image display mode if the present image display mode is the
nine-image display mode. A user can therefore change the image
display mode in the forward direction only by swinging once the
digital camera 10 along a predetermined direction, without
operating the menu button 24, four-way directional button 26 and
SET button 27.
[0071] Step S410: The system control unit 107 changes the image
display mode to the nine-image display mode if the present image
display mode is the one-image display mode; the image display mode
to the one-image display mode if the present image display mode is
the four-image display mode; or the image display mode to the
four-image display mode if the present image display mode is the
nine-image display mode. A user can therefore change the image
display mode in the reverse direction only by swinging once the
digital camera 10 along the predetermined direction, without
operating the menu button 24, four-way directional button 26 and
SET button 27.
[0072] As described above, according to the digital camera 10 of
the fourth embodiment, the image display mode can be changed in the
normal or reverse direction only by swinging once the digital
camera 10 along the predetermined direction.
[0073] The fourth embodiment is applicable to changing the
capturing mode such as a sports mode and a portrait mode in this
order or reverse order thereof. Further, the fourth embodiment is
applicable to changing a mode among a one-frame capturing mode of
capturing one frame of a still image, a low speed capturing mode of
capturing a plurality of frames of still images, a higher speed
capturing mode higher than the low speed capturing mode and a
moving image capturing mode of capturing moving images in this
order or reverse order thereof.
Fifth Embodiment
[0074] The fifth embodiment is an embodiment partially modifying
the first embodiment. Only different points from the first
embodiment will therefore be described.
[0075] In the fifth embodiment, Steps S405 and S410 of the first
embodiment are changed in the following manner.
[0076] Step S405: The system control unit 107 deletes a captured
image presently displayed on the display unit 105 or a captured
image presently selected by the cursor, from the storage medium. A
user can therefore delete a desired image only by swinging once the
digital camera 10 along a predetermined direction, without
operating the menu button 24, four-way directional button 26 and
SET button 27.
[0077] Step S410: A similar process to Step S405 is executed.
[0078] As described above, according to the digital camera 10 of
the fifth embodiment, a desired captured image can be deleted from
the storage medium only by swinging once the digital camera 10
along the predetermined direction.
Sixth Embodiment
[0079] The sixth embodiment is an embodiment partially modifying
the first embodiment. Only different points from the first
embodiment will therefore be described.
[0080] In the sixth embodiment, Steps S405 and S410 of the first
embodiment are changed in the following manner.
[0081] Step S405: If the image display mode of the digital camera
10 is the one-image display mode, the system control unit 107
changes the image display mode to an enlarged display mode to
enlarge a predetermined area of a captured image presently
displayed on the display unit 105 and display it on the display
unit 105. If the image display mode of the digital camera 10 is the
enlarged display mode, the system control unit 107 changes the
image display mode to the one-image display mode to display the
whole of the captured image presently displayed on the display unit
105, on the display unit 105. A user can therefore confirm the
desired area or the whole of a desired image only by swinging once
the digital camera 10 along a predetermined direction, without
operating the menu button 24, four-way directional button 26 and
SET button 27.
[0082] Step S410: A similar process to Step S405 is executed.
[0083] As described above, according to the digital camera 10 of
the sixth embodiment, a desired area or the whole of a desired
image can be confirmed only by swinging once the digital camera 10
along the predetermined direction.
Seventh Embodiment
[0084] The seventh embodiment is an embodiment partially modifying
the first embodiment. Only different points from the first
embodiment will therefore be described.
[0085] In the seventh embodiment, Steps S405 and S410 of the first
embodiment are changed in the following manner.
[0086] Step S405: The system control unit 107 changes a present
value to a different value of at least one of a resolution, an
image quality, an ISO sensitivity, a white balance, a color space
and a development parameter. A user can therefore change a present
value to a different value of at least one of the resolution, image
quality, ISO sensitivity, white balance, color space and
development parameter, only by swinging once the digital camera 10
along a predetermined direction, without operating the menu button
24, four-way directional button 26 and SET button 27.
[0087] Step S410: A similar process to Step S405 is executed.
[0088] As described above, according to the digital camera 10 of
the seventh embodiment, it is possible to change a present value to
a different value of at least one of the resolution, image quality,
ISO sensitivity, white balance, color space and development
parameter, only by swinging once the digital camera 10 along the
predetermined direction.
Eighth Embodiment
[0089] The eighth embodiment is an embodiment partially modifying
the first embodiment. Only different points from the first
embodiment will therefore be described.
[0090] In the eighth embodiment, Steps S405 and S410 of the first
embodiment are changed in the following manner.
[0091] Step S405: The system control unit 107 changes present data
to desired data of at least one of a startup sound, a shutter
sound, an operation sound, a self timer sound and a startup screen.
The startup sound is output from a speaker when the digital camera
10 starts up. The shutter sound is output from the speaker when the
shutter is released. The operation sound is output from the speaker
when a button or the like is operated. The self timer sound is
output from the speaker when an image is to be captured by using a
self timer. The startup screen is an image displayed on the display
unit 105 when the digital camera 10 starts up. A user can therefore
change present data to desired data of at least one of the startup
sound, shutter sound, operation sound, self timer sound and startup
screen only by swinging once the digital camera 10 along a
predetermined direction, without operating the menu button 24,
four-way directional button 26 and SET button 27.
[0092] Step S410: A similar process to Step S405 is executed.
[0093] As described above, according to the digital camera 10 of
the eighth embodiment, it is possible to change present data to
desired data of at least one of the startup sound, shutter sound,
operation sound, self timer sound and startup screen, only by
swinging once the digital camera 10 along the predetermined
direction.
Ninth Embodiment
[0094] The ninth embodiment is an embodiment partially modifying
the first embodiment. Only different points from the first
embodiment will therefore be described.
[0095] In the ninth embodiment, Steps S405 and S410 of the first
embodiment are changed in the following manner.
[0096] Step S405: The system control unit 107 turns OFF the power
of the digital camera 10. A user can therefore turn OFF the power
of the digital camera 10 only by swinging the digital camera 10 in
a predetermined direction, without operating the power switch
21
[0097] Step S410: A similar process to Step S405 is executed.
[0098] As described above, according to the digital camera 10 of
the eighth embodiment, it is possible to turn OFF the power of the
digital camera 10 only by swinging once the digital camera 10 along
the predetermined direction.
Tenth Embodiment
[0099] The tenth embodiment is an embodiment partially modifying
the first embodiment. Only different points from the first
embodiment will therefore be described.
[0100] In the tenth embodiment, Steps S405 and S410 of the first
embodiment are changed in the following manner.
[0101] Step S405: The system control unit 107 turns ON the power if
the digital camera 10 is in the power saving state. A user can
therefore turn ON the power of the digital camera 10 only by
swinging once the digital camera 10 along a predetermined
direction, without operating the power switch 21 and the like.
[0102] Step S410: A similar process to Step S405 is executed.
[0103] As described above, according to the digital camera 10 of
the tenth embodiment, it is possible to turn ON the power of the
digital camera 10 only by swinging once the digital camera 10 along
the predetermined direction.
Eleventh Embodiment
[0104] The above-described first to tenth embodiments may be
combined in various ways. For example, if the digital camera 10 is
provided with all the functions of the first to tenth embodiments,
one of the functions of the first to tenth embodiments of the
digital camera 10 may be turned ON or OFF.
Other Embodiments
[0105] It is needless to say that the object of the present
invention can be achieved by supplying a storage medium storing
software program codes realizing the functions of each embodiment
described above to a system or an apparatus and making a computer
(or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus read and execute the
program codes stored in the storage medium.
[0106] In this case, the software program codes themselves realize
the embodiment functions. Therefore, the program codes themselves
and the storage medium storing the program codes constitute the
present invention.
[0107] The storage medium for storing such program codes may be a
flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto optical
disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card,
a ROM or the like.
[0108] It is needless to say that the invention includes the case
wherein the functions of the embodiments are realized not only by
executing the program codes read by a computer but also by making
an OS (basic system or operating system) or the like execute a
portion or the whole of actual processes in accordance with the
instructions of the program codes.
[0109] It is needless to say that the invention includes the case
wherein the functions of the embodiments are realized by writing
the program codes read from the storage medium in a memory of a
function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function
expansion unit connected to the computer, and making a CPU or the
like of the function expansion board or function expansion unit
execute a portion or the whole of actual processes in accordance
with the instructions of the program codes.
[0110] The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary of the
present invention, and are not construed to limit the scope of the
present invention.
[0111] The scope of the present invention is defined by the scope
of the appended claims, and is not limited to only the specific
descriptions in this specification. Furthermore, all modifications
and changes belonging to equivalents of the claims are considered
to fall within the scope of the present invention.
[0112] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent
Application No. 2004-272507 filed on Sep. 17, 2004, which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein.
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